Navigating Building Regulations: What Applies in England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland?
All regions of the UK are covered by Building Regulations that enforce various requirements for construction work. However each region is responsible for their own Building Regulations which can result in different standards being applied in each. This article looks at the Building Regulations concerning energy efficiency currently in force in each region:
England
The Building Regulations in England are managed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). Supporting the Building Regulations is a series of Approved Documents, with Approved Document L Volume 1 containing the requirements for energy efficiency standards for dwellings.
Approved Document L Volume 1 was introduced on 15th June 2022. It utilises the SAP 10 methodology to calculate three metrics in the form of primary energy, carbon emissions and fabric energy efficiency to demonstrate compliance. Additionally changes to Approved Document F for Ventilation, Approved Document O for mitigating overheating and Approved Document S for electric vehicle charging were also introduced on the same day.
In terms of Approved Document L the next change will be delivered in the form of the Future Homes Standard. We’ve published extensively on the Future Homes Standard, which is likely to be the most significant shift in energy efficiency standards in years. It will introduce low-carbon heating systems in new homes, with SAP 10.3 used at launch and HEM following once it is ready to be implemented.
MHCLG have confirmed that the Future Homes Standard will be released in early 2026, with the sole route to compliance on launch being SAP 10.3 with the Home Energy Model due to follow when deemed ready. Find out more here >
Wales
The Welsh Government currently manages the Building Regulations in Wales. In a similar manner to England, the Building Regulations are supported by a number of Approved Documents, with Approved Document L Volume 1 containing the requirements for energy efficiency standards for dwellings. Wales also uses Approved Documents F and O to manage ventilation standards and mitigate overheating.
Approved Document L Volume 1 was introduced on 31st November 2022. It utilises the SAP 10 methodology for calculating compliance. However the compliance standards differ to England, with the dwelling energy efficiency rating metric used and no fabric energy efficiency standard. The notional dwelling used to set the performance standards for new homes also differs to other regions.
The next significant change to energy efficiency standards in Wales will be in the form of Part L 2025. A consultation on changes forming this new standard has took place and a summary of Elmhurst’s response can be found here >
Scotland
In Scotland the Building Standards Division (BSD) is responsible for the standards governing construction work. The Domestic Handbook is divided into numerous sections, with Section 6 covering the energy efficiency standards for buildings.
The last significant change to the Section 6 standards was introduced on 1st February 2023. Scotland uses different compliance metrics to other UK regions, opting for delivered energy and carbon emissions standards. Additionally the New Build Dwelling Heat Standard was introduced on 1st April 2024 which requires all new homes are heated by zero direct emission heating systems, effectively banning fossil fuelled heating systems in new homes.
Scotland are currently working on their next revision to the Section 6 standards. The aim is a ‘Passivhaus equivalent’ standard to form the basis of the next revision, with consultations issued last year to determine the extent of this. An implementation date of March 2028 is proposed for the next standards. Find out more here >
Northern Ireland
The Building Regulations in Northern Ireland are the responsibility of the Department of Finance. Like other regions the regulations are support by a number of Technical Booklets. In respect to energy efficiency this is covered by Technical Booklet F1 and F2.
Again Northern Ireland uses different compliance metrics to the rest of the UK. The energy efficiency standards are set using carbon emissions calculated from the SAP 2009 methodology with a requirement to achieve at least a 40% improvement over the calculated target emission rate.
The last revision to Technical Booklets F1 and F2 was implemented on 30th June 2022. Since then Northern Ireland have issued a consultation on the next revision to their standards, and we are expecting further developments in this area shortly.
Elmhurst Thoughts
New Build Dwellings Manager Jason Hewins commented;
“As on construction energy assessments are currently desk based then OCDEAs can offer their services in all areas of the UK. However, it is important to recognise each administration has their own set of regulations which require different levels of performance in order to achieve compliance. This can be complex for developers and assessors working across borders.
Going forwards all regions of the UK are embarking on significant revisions to the energy efficiency standards within Building Regulations. These will be on differing timelines so understanding the requirements of each region can be a challenge. As we have always done Elmhurst will support all members in all regions through this complex landscape with appropriate training, application changes and CPD.”